[Travel] Scotland, west coast and/or islands

[Machiavelli]

In an attempt to combine NSC's collective experience and insight, we've got a week booked in mid-Scotland (between Loch Lomond and Dunblane, nearest biggish town is Stirling to the south-east), and are looking to spend another week or so in Scotland. Ideally on west coast or an island (Skye might be a favourite for all sorts of reasons, including there's a free bridge onto it; although other free bridge recommendations welcomed) and, also ideally, not too far north. We'd be looking at staying at one or two places -- we also include partner, and 16yo son.
Any recommendations for:
-- areas to visit/stay
-- and, within that, places to stay (self-catering preferred, but good value hotels/B&Bs also welcome)
-- restaurants/food
Edit: it'll be in July

 

[knocky1]

It's amazing everywhere. You'll love it and the midges will love you. Can't help too much on food and night stops as always been gypsying in a campervan. If near wonderful Skye, North of the bridge on the mainland side is Plockton where Wickerman was filmed. Stunning and unspoilt.
The A82 Fort William Road through Glen Coe beats the A23.

 

[Mackenzie]

Look up Steve Marsh on YouTube

 

[Albion in the north]

Love the west coast of Scotland and have been many times. Stayed at the lighthouse keepers cottages at Ardnamurchan point. That was amazing. Ive walked the 5 sisters of Kintail which are near the A87 road to the Kyle of Lochalsh and Skye. Not sure Id recommend it in July because of the aforementioned midges until you get up high on the mountains. Love taking the ferry from Oban to Mull and then exploring Mull and going back to the mainland from Tobermory. But really, anywhere along that coast is amazing with breathtaking views round each corner.

 

[Live by the sea]

Went there once in June and it rained heavily the whole 5 days I was there . Not a massive fan of trips to Scotland since that experience . Found it quite difficult to understand the Scottish accent as well although they may have found mine difficult too.

 

[East Staffs Gull]

The drive from Glasgow, along Loch Lomond and then through Glencoe is stunning. I know you don’t want to go to far north, but honestly the scenery gets more stunning the further north up the west coast you travel. If you go to Skye, Dunvegan Castle is worth a visit. The Old Inn at Carbost on Skye serves good food and has accommodation.
I can recommend the Gairloch Hotel and Altnaharra Hotel on the mainland.
Perthshire has lots to offer. We’ve enjoyed many stays in the Aberfeldy, Pitlochry and Kenmore area.
Balmoral and Braemar are worth a visit.

 

[Trevor]

If you don't want to go too far north then rural Perthshire is picturesque and lovely. We've stayed in Blair Atholl (found a self-catering) near Pitlochry which is well positioned. Yes midge nets are likely a must once you get to July. I do love North West coast and Skye but its a trek. It's worth finding the Highland Games schedule and maybe trying to fi in with that - a total laugh. The Caber Tossers seem to be a 50/50 split between specialist and strongest man contestants - the latter often end up winning but not before they've chucked a few trees in the wrong direction first - yeah enjoy yourself whatever you do (Oh my brother-in-law's brother owns a self cater on Skye I think - get in touch if you like - but when we went we stayed at Quiraing View)

 

[essbee1]

The midges are a nightmare. I'd book somewhere else tbh.

 

[shingle]

The Isle of Skye is my recommendation. We used to go twice a year when the children were at school, the drive from either Inverness or Fort William is spectacular.

As for Skye, my favourite place is Elgol, 15 miles down a single track road from Broadford, the views of the Cuillens from here are breathtaking. If walking is your bag there are easy walks up Marsco and to the remote Lake Coruisk. Also there's a daily 4 hour boat trip from Elgol across Loch Scavaig into the heart of the Cuillens. Re accommodation there's Coruisk house which has become a tad expensive since Robin and Leslie left, but there's also lots of nice houses for let in the village. There's also a michelin starred restaurant (the three chimneys) which is a bit of a drive away but its always been out of my budget.

 

[AnotherArch]

If you are near Oban, visit Cruachen Power Station and take the tour. They drive you into a tunnel that goes downwards into a big mountain. Then it all opens out into a huge hollow area where the hydro-electric power station is located. It is impressive - just like a scene in an early James Bond movie. (The water comes from a dammed lake at the top of the mountain)

 

[Grizz]

As others have said the West Coast is stunning, we did the North Coast 500 last year. I've travelled to far flung places across the world, but the NC500 is up there in my top 3 holidays, it blew us away.

Again as others have said if you can see your way to go further north you won't regret it, the scenery is stunning, the beaches pristine and you'll have to find a new word for wow, as you'll be saying it so often.

One must man made place for me was Inverewe Gardens. It's a National Trust of Scotland place, so if you're a member of the English one you get in for free. Nice 1950s house surrounded by amazing gardens, alongside a Loch, views are amazing and palm trees everywhere, just bizarre!

The views from Stoer Lighthouse are incredible. Just take the coastal road anywhere up there and stop along the way as you see things. That's all we did, you'll find plenty of gems.

Skye itself is bloody amazing, lots to see a do. We only stayed 3 nights, could've done 4 or 5 easily, so we'll be going back at some stage. Take some decent walking boots and a rain coat, the weather closes in very quickly especially around the Fairy Pools.

As to the midges, yeah July won't be great, so long sleeve shirts would be best, but Avon soft skin spray is your friend. Stopped me getting bitten.

Skin So Soft Original Dry Oil Spray - 150ml

Enjoy silky-soft skin in seconds with our top-rated Skin So Soft Original Dry Oil Spray, a lightweight formula enriched with jojoba oil. Shop now.

avon.uk.com

 

[Weststander]

The Isle of Skye is my recommendation. We used to go twice a year when the children were at school, the drive from either Inverness or Fort William is spectacular.

As for Skye, my favourite place is Elgol, 15 miles down a single track road from Broadford, the views of the Cuillens from here are breathtaking. If walking is your bag there are easy walks up Marsco and to the remote Lake Coruisk. Also there's a daily 4 hour boat trip from Elgol across Loch Scavaig into the heart of the Cuillens. Re accommodation there's Coruisk house which has become a tad expensive since Robin and Leslie left, but there's also lots of nice houses for let in the village. There's also a michelin starred restaurant (the three chimneys) which is a bit of a drive away but its always been out of my budget.

I visited a long time ago, so can’t recommend accommodation or eateries. But book early.

Take the coastal drive from Cape Wrath to Skye or vice versa, the mountainous scenery and sea lochs are beautiful.

Visit the Black Cuillins from Elgol, I did in a short boat trip across the bay. But you’ll need decent weather and a calm sea. Stunning, the British Isles most alpine of mountain ranges.
https://mistyisleboattrips.co.uk/

 

[Nobby]

Lochinver - and the road down to Achiltibuie.
The B869 - the NC500 ers dont use it so thats a big plus to start with.
Done a lot of Scotland but this road is the most beautiful - maybe in the World!
Seriously
And if you don't want to get up that far, then Ardnamurchan, Moydart and Morar. Mallaig is a brilliant little place for trips to Rum, Eigg and Skye

 

[Hotchilidog]

I walked the West Highland Way many moons ago and as others have said, you really cannot miss up there. Scotland is spectacular, Skye is incredible. I thoroughly recommend all of it.

 

[boik]

The NC500 has been a real mixed blessing for the locals. We've been up there loads of times since 1999 and loved it, but post lockdown it seems that the world and his wife have bought campervans and are "Doing the NC500". Some people are trashing the place - churning up, the verges and greens, crapping on the beaches, chopping down shrubs and fences for those oh so essential camp fires. The locals have been appalled by the behaviour, and it's not just the odd few. We now avoid the actual route unless it's well into late autumn.

 

[maltaseagull]

Love the west coast of Scotland and have been many times. Stayed at the lighthouse keepers cottages at Ardnamurchan point. That was amazing. Ive walked the 5 sisters of Kintail which are near the A87 road to the Kyle of Lochalsh and Skye. Not sure Id recommend it in July because of the aforementioned midges until you get up high on the mountains. Love taking the ferry from Oban to Mull and then exploring Mull and going back to the mainland from Tobermory. But really, anywhere along that coast is amazing with breathtaking views round each corner.

Thinking of a trip but also concerned about midges. Is there a time when it´s ok to go but not mid winter?

 

[LockStock]

Thinking of a trip but also concerned about midges. Is there a time when it´s ok to go but not mid winter?

We went in October half term, which they said was the last week of the season. Most things open, no midges and roads and sites not very busy.
Weather was a mixed bag, but think it’s often like that.

 

[East Staffs Gull]

The midge season can start any time during May and end any time in September. Cold temperatures eliminate the midges, as does the lightest of breezes. General advice is to avoid shady areas and water. We found midge repellent sprays to be generally effective.

 

[Albion in the north]

Thinking of a trip but also concerned about midges. Is there a time when it´s ok to go but not mid winter?

I never go in the summer. Prefer Oct or March/April. Clearer skies, less people, just take a warm jacket.

 

[Grizz]

Aye we went the second week of Sept '22, after the English schools had gone back. Roads were a lot quieter, midges few and far between, weather still bloody lovely, but windy.